Self-Introduction Speech
Self-Introduction Speech
Self-Introduction Speech: Your first Speech
It’s that time!
Self-Introduction Speech Purpose
The objectives of this speech are to introduce yourself to your classmates and to help you become accustomed to presenting, recording, uploading, and submitting a speech.
Visual Aid Selection
Select an object that represents a significant aspect of your background, personality, values, ambitions, etc.
The object will be your visual aid for the speech.
Using the object as a point of departure, you should develop a speech that explains how it relates to your life. For example, a journalism major might select a newspaper as a way to explain his or her goals. An avid tennis player might use a tennis racket to illustrate his or her passion for the sport.
Speech Requirements
Self-Introduction Speech Guidelines
Speaking Time: 2-3 minutes
Visual Aid: At least 1 visual aid is required
Supporting Material: Supporting material is not required. If supporting material is used, it should be cited within the content of the speech and added to the works cited page.
Outline and Works Cited: Preparation Outline and Works Cited page (if using supporting material) must be submitted to D2L Dropbox by the deadline.
Note Card(s): Note cards can be used OR a one-page speaking outline. Attire: Casual
Remember that you need to do a self-evaluation prior to this speech
VIDEO rEQUIREMENTS
Video Requirements
You should present and video record your speech. Upload the speech to YouTube.com and post the link to the Discussion Board on the designated forum. For this speech, a live audience is not required. Your classmates and instructor will be your audience. Be sure the quality of the video is such that the sound and visuals are clear. If the sound and video quality are not sufficient for the instructor to view your speech you will be required to resubmit to earn a grade.
You should be standing to present and visible in the video from head to fingertips.
Avoid wearing ballcaps as this can negatively impact eye contact.
Start By Selecting A Topic
Some Ideas
Look at my responses to your bio posts. I provided some initial ideas to each of you based on what you shared in your post if you are in an online class. We did a brainstorming in class for the in-person class
Share an experience that has shaped your life
Talk about an item that means a lot to you such as a musical instrument, piece of jewelry, a favorite childhood toy, etc.
Tell us what led you to select your major
These are just a few ideas
Once you have a topic
Consider 2-3 things you could discuss about the topic. These are your main points
Consider how to open the speech with an attention-getter
Consider how you will end your speech with a review and concluding remark
Create An Outline
Attention-Getter
Things You Can Use
Quotes
Videos
Actions
Visual Aids
Stories
Rhetorical Questions
Audience Participation
Startling Facts
What’s Next: After I get Their Attention
Tell the Audience the purpose of your speech
Explain your connection/research on the topic
Preview the main points you plan to discuss
Provide a transitional word of phrase that let’s us know you are going into the Body of the speech
The Body of the Speech
The Body of your speech should contain the same elements in the same order as the preview statement. Also, remember to include transitions.
Let’s Also Discuss How to Close The Speech: Review and Concluding Remark
Presenting the Speech
No gum
Stand up straight
Dress appropriately
No hat
Good eye contact
Don’t sway
Try to incorporate some gestures
Watch the Uhs and Ums and Likes (fillers)
Consider your language
Show Interest in your topic
How Do I Eliminate the Dreaded Fillers?
Getting Rid of Fillers
Practice
Insert Pause (This also helps with the rate, the time, and adds verbal punctuation)
Slow Down
Other Resources to Help
Go to the Content Section, Week 2
Under “Lecture”, you will find 3 videos that will be especially helpful: How to Outline, How to Reduce Speech Anxiety by the Textbook Author, and the “Courtyard Self-Introductory Speech Sample”. In this section, you will also find an Outline Template, Link to Transitional words, A Sample outline.
How Do I Create a Video Link to upload?
Go to the Content Section. You will see a file that says “Uploading An Unlisted video”.
Please remember that you want your video “Unlisted”. The Public setting allows everyone to see it that goes to Youtube. The Private setting only allows you to see it and so I cannot see it. Use Unlisted.
